Brazilian Wax: What You Need to Know

Whether you're preparing to bare-all in a bikini, or you just prefer a hair-free lower body appearance, waxing removes hair in a way no other non-permanent method can. It leaves the skin clear of stubble and re-growth for weeks at a time, which can be more comfortable as well. If you usually use a razor and are looking for smoother, longer-lasting results, a Brazilian wax might be just the solution.

Hair that waxing removes won't start to grow back for several weeks. Whether cold or hot, wax removes hair so well and keeps it from growing back quickly because it actually pulls hair from the shaft where it grows. And it doesn't just take out hair one at a time. Several large strips of body hair can be gone in a few quick rips by your aesthetician. Plucking each strand one by one would take much longer [source: Barba].

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A proper Brazilian wax is best accomplished in a salon. Even if you are confident in your own waxing skills, experts say you'll get better, faster and probably safer results if you enlist the help of a qualified professional [source: Barba].

Waxing has many advantages, including longer-lasting effects, which means fewer trips to the salon. But if you don't take necessary precautions when waxing this sensitive area, your experience could be anything but smooth. Keep reading to learn about the potential problems that may arise when you wax.

Waxing Scrutinized in New Jersey

Brazilian waxing recently came under scrutiny in New Jersey when women wound up in the hospital for infections linked to salon treatments. Though it considered a ban on the practice, the state cosmetology board opted to leave salon operators to decide how to manage waxing services [source: MSNBC].